Christian Goal Setting

Have you heard about setting SMART goals in the past?  Did you wonder if you need to set some goals or just "let go and let God" run your life?  While the Bible teaches you to let God into your live and let Him lead you, it also teaches you not use that as an excuse to do nothing.

If God has a path for you, do you need a map to know the direction?  Setting Christian goals is more than just making yearly resolutions that you may or may not keep.  God gives everyone a purpose in this life - for you to know that purpose you must pray.  If you are to fulfill that purpose, you must plan.  This is where goal-setting comes in.  Christian goals may be personal, spiritual, or social.   Your goals may also be related to your: character, health, charity, family, vocation (business/career/job), church, finances, or community.

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, 

and he will establish your plans." 

- Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)

We need to make sure your goals align with God's purpose, so think about what you wold like to achieve and then pray about it.  If God does not lead you away from your desired goals, then you should set realistic expectations, write down your goals so you can track progress, and make a step-by-step plan for achieving them.  Once you have your plan, pray about that too; ask God to help you on your journey and to lead you His way.

Once you feel your plan has been blessed, you will feel more motivated to stay focused and follow it through to fulfillment.  However, do not be discouraged or surprised if God changes your plan or path along the way, after all you want to stay in His will and He knows what is best for you.